Summary

3 Day Taste of Glacier

Prices From	USD$ $435.00
1st Departure	01.01.0001
Provider	Glacier Guides & Montana Raft Company
Destination	Glacier National Park
Duration	3 days
Challenge	Beginner
Avg Rating	Not Rated

These trips are a great introduction to backpacking or for those folks with a little less time on their hands. You'll travel an average of 4 to 9 miles per day, filling your senses with all the natural wonders of Glacier National Park. Your guide will lead you through open meadows and mature forests, and we generally camp near an alpine lake or stream with towering mountains nearby. We may even cross over an alpine pass. Experience the true wilderness character of Glacier by spending a couple of nights in the backcountry with our amiable and skilled guides (and did we mention that they're great cooks too).

Itinerary

Overview

<DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 1pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 1pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <P class=MsoNormal style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt">To experience the true wilderness character of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Glacier</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">National Park</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> one must spend a night or more in it's backcountry. The three-day backpacking trip offers a taste of Glacier's backcountry. Even though we can't give you an exact itinerary for your particular trip, many of these trips are in the Two Medicine Area since several short loops originate here in the southeastern corner of Glacier. Distances covered on our 3-day hikes range from 4-9 miles per day and may involve some elevation gain but these trips are geared toward those with little or no backpacking experience and moderate conditioning. Your pack will weigh 35 to 40 pounds. These trips are a great introduction to backpacking or perfect for those with limited time to venture into wilds of Glacier for a memorable backcountry adventure.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></DIV>

Day 1

We meet at our office in West Glacier at 8:30 am, make our final arrangements for gear, safely store your extra luggage and then off we go to the trailhead. Once there we’ll hike for a short time then stop for scenic lunch. After hiking for a few more hours we’ll set up camp. While you relax your guide will prepare dinner.

Day 2

We'll spend our days in sub-alpine and alpine meadows amongst Glacier's towering peaks. All of the camps in this area are located on lakes or streams. 

Day 3

After breakfast we’ll start our hike out of the backcountry to a waiting shuttle and our ride back to West Glacier. Generally we arrive around 4:00-5:00 pm.

Gear List

<DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <P class=MsoNormal style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt">What to Expect<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></DIV> <H2 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> <o:p></o:p></H2> You will be responsible for carrying your clothing, equipment (i.e. sleeping bag, pad and tent), 2 water bottles or one Camelbak (or similar hydration pack), optional items (camera, binoculars) and food. Your guide will distribute between 5-8 pounds of food per guest. After packing is complete, your backpack will weigh about 35-40 pounds.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Your guide will prepare and serve all the meals. All cooking utensils and cooking gear will be provided. You will receive a lightweight coffee mug, which you are welcome to keep. Your guide will carry a first aid kit, water filter, bear spray, toilet paper, trowel, and hand sanitizer. Each backcountry campground has a pit toilet, tent sites, a food prep and eating area with a food storage device, and a water source. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The trails in Glacier are well maintained, so you will not be hiking on scree fields or hopping over boulders. You will need lightweight, comfortable hiking boots, with good ankle support (we strongly recommend that you break in any new boots prior to the trip). Some of our trips will have stream crossings. We recommend that you bring sandals so that your boots don’t get wet.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <P class=MsoNormal style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt">What to Wear<o:p></o:p></DIV> <H2 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></H2> When backpacking, it is best to dress in layers. By layering clothing you can adjust to the changing temperatures as needed. It is important to stay away from cotton when hiking in Glacier’s temperamental weather. Synthetic shirts, pants, jackets and socks wick away moisture and dry more quickly than cotton. All of these layers combined are a safety measure that will keep you comfortable and guard against hypothermia. We also sell many of these items at our gift and gear store in case you don’t have an outdoor store near you. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Generally one t-shirt to hike in and one for camping is a good idea. One pair of shorts should be fine. You’ll want to bring 1 set of polypro long underwear. Over the long underwear top layer you’ll want the mid-weight fleece shirt, which is basically a non-cotton sweatshirt. Over the long underwear top and bottoms you can wear the waterproof/breathable jacket and pants. For socks, we recommend bringing 2 pairs, one for hiking and one for camp. Wearing sock liners while hiking is highly recommended because they help prevent blisters. We suggest bringing a polar fleece jacket as an extra layer. Please refer to our packing list to properly prepare.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <P class=MsoNormal style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt">Rental Equipment: $15 per day<o:p></o:p></DIV> <o:p> </o:p> If you are renting equipment from us, your guide will have it ready for you on the morning of your trip departure. You are welcome to pick it up the afternoon beforehand if you’d like to pack your stuff in advance. Here is a description of our rental equipment:<o:p></o:p> Backpacks- Kelty internal frame packs. They range in size of 4700 cubic inches to 5600 cubic inches and weigh 5 pounds (when empty).<o:p></o:p> Tents- Sierra Designs. We rent 1-4 person tents. How many people and tent site space will determine what tent you will get (Park Service allows 4 people/2 tents per site). The 2 person tents weigh about 6 pounds, and the 3 person tents weigh closer to 7 pounds. <o:p></o:p> Sleeping Pads- Therma Rest/Crazy Creek. ¾ length and full size available. The Therma rest weighs about a pound, and the Crazy Creek chair weighs 2 pounds. <o:p></o:p> Sleeping bags- Sierra Designs. Synthetic bags that range from 0-40 degrees (Fahrenheit). They weigh 3 to 3 ½ pounds. <o:p></o:p> **Sleeping bag liners are available with equipment rental.**<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <P class=MsoNormal style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt">Packing List<o:p></o:p></DIV> <o:p> </o:p> You are responsible for bringing these items. Please come properly prepared to make your trip most enjoyable. Most of these items are for sale in our gift and gear shop. Rental of sleeping bag and pad, tent and backpack are available for $15 a day. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Equipment: <o:p></o:p> q Sleeping bag<o:p></o:p> q Sleeping pad<o:p></o:p> q Tent<o:p></o:p> q Backpack<o:p></o:p> q 2 quart sized water bottles or 1 Camelbak (or similar hydration pack)<o:p></o:p> q Flashlight (with extra batteries) or headlamp<o:p></o:p> q Rain cover for backpack (or line inside of pack with garbage bag)<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Clothing:<o:p></o:p> Base layer essentials:<o:p></o:p> q 1 set of polypro top and bottom (meaning non cotton long underwear top and bottom) <o:p></o:p> Mid layer essentials:<o:p></o:p> q 1 mid weight fleece top (similar weight as a sweatshirt, but non cotton)<o:p></o:p> q 1 polar fleece jacket (especially needed in June and September)<o:p></o:p> Outer layer essentials: <o:p></o:p> q Water proof, breathable rain jacket and pant <o:p></o:p> q Warm hat<o:p></o:p> q Gloves<o:p></o:p> q Synthetic Wicking T-shirt (1 for hiking, 1 for camp)<o:p></o:p> q 1 pair of shorts or zip off pants<o:p></o:p> q Lightweight hiking boots<o:p></o:p> q 2 to 3 pairs of polypro/wool socks<o:p></o:p> q 1 pair of synthetic liner socks (help prevent blisters) <o:p></o:p> q Sandals for camp/water crossing (Teva type)<o:p></o:p> q Lightweight gaiters (recommended in May, June, September)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Miscellaneous essentials:<o:p></o:p> q Park Entrance money ($12 per person)<o:p></o:p> q Passport to cross US-Canadian border (Effective June 1, 2009, all Americans will need to present a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document in order to enter the U.S. by land or sea.) <o:p></o:p> q Ziploc bags(larger size; to organize, keep items clean and dry)<o:p></o:p> q Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. Please bring unscented items to minimize impact on wildlife). <o:p></o:p> q Sunscreen <o:p></o:p> q Sun hat or ball cap <o:p></o:p> q Bug spray<o:p></o:p> q Rainwear<o:p></o:p> q Sunglasses<o:p></o:p> q Insect repellent<o:p></o:p> q Packcover<o:p></o:p> q Flashlight/headlamp<o:p></o:p> q First-aid supplies<o:p></o:p> q Water bottles<o:p></o:p></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <o:p> </o:p> Optional items:<o:p></o:p> q Camera<o:p></o:p> q Binoculars<o:p></o:p> q Trekking Poles. (some people find they aide with balance and/or ease on joints.)<o:p></o:p> q Fleece Pants<o:p></o:p> If you are extremely interested in wildlife viewing, we encourage you to bring zoom lenses, binoculars and/or spotting scopes. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> ***Remember that everything you bring you have to carry…think small (and light when it comes to things like toothpaste and soap containers). Ounces make pounds!***<o:p></o:p> <H2 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></H2> <DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <P class=MsoNormal style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt">How to Pack <o:p></o:p></DIV> <o:p></o:p> Keep your heaviest items close to your back, centered between your shoulder blades. Stuff your sleeping bag into its lower compartment first. Squeeze in any additional lightweight items you won't need until bedtime (pillowcase, sleeping shirt, but nothing aromatic). This will serve as the base of the main compartment, which you'll fill next. Make sure some items are easily accessible, packed in places where they can be reached with a minimum of digging:<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Minimize the number of items you strap to the outside of your pack. Gear carried externally may adversely affect your balance. Secure any equipment you carry outside so it doesn't swing or rattle. You are the ultimate judge of what feels comfortable to you. Experiment with different load arrangements to determine what feels best.<o:p></o:p>

Travel Information

Activity Location

Glacier Guides & Montana Raft Company
11970 Hwy 2 East
West Glacier, MT 59936 USA